Image forming apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus which has a facsimile function by which it records image data received in facsimile communications and a printer function by which it records image data output from a host computer. The apparatus includes a printing mode setting device for setting the apparatus to one of a plurality of printing modes, a recording device for recording image data, a reception device for receiving facsimile image data, and a control device for causing the setting device to set the apparatus to a specific printing mode when facsimile image data received by the reception device is to be recorded, independent of any printing mode in which the apparatus has previously been set by the setting device. The plurality of printing modes include at least one of a draft mode in which image data is recorded in a thinned-out form and a high-quality mode in which recording is performed by one-direction printing. The specific mode is a two-direction recording mode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus whichfunctions as a printer for a computer or the like and as a facsimileapparatus.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Thermal printers, LBPs (laser beam printers), etc. have been usedas the recording sections of facsimile apparatuses. Thermal printershave a problem in that the recording paper used therein has rather poorproperties in terms of imprinting and shelf life. LBPs have a problem inthat they are rather large and costly. In view of these problems, asmall, inexpensive printer has been developed whose recording sectionconsists of an ink-jet type recording printer using ordinary paper.

[0005] Generally speaking, an ink-jet type printer has the followingfeatures:

[0006] It has a head in which several tens of ink discharge nozzles arearranged along a sub-scanning dimension at intervals according to thepixel pitch, and performs one band (line) of printing by ejecting inkwhile the head moves in a main scanning direction. It also moves therecording paper in the sub-scanning direction by a distancecorresponding to one band. By repeating these operations, it forms onepage of an image.

[0007] Printing is possible by both the forward and backward movementsof the head. However, when an image extending over a plurality of bandsis printed, an image misregistration between the bands may be caused formechanical reasons. Such misregistration is more serious inreciprocative printing than in printing in the forward direction only(the one direction printing mode).

[0008] When printing an image output from a computer (bit image data),only the forward movement of the head is generally used for the printingin order to minimize such misregistration as mentioned above as much aspossible.

[0009] Some ink-jet type printers have a draft mode which is used fordraft printing (a printing mode for draft printing and temporaryprinting for checking the layout). This is a mode in which the pixelsare thinned out in a zigzag fashion to economize ink and, at the sametime, the head is moved at an increased speed for high-speed printing.

[0010] When employed as the printing section of a facsimile apparatushaving a printer interface, such an ink-jet type printer is designed tobe capable of being used in both draft mode printing and one directionprinting. More specifically, printing mode setting keys are provided onthe operation panel, enabling the user to select between the normal anddraft modes by operating these keys. When output images from a computer(bit image data) are to be printed, only the forward movement of thehead is used for printing in consideration of image quality.

[0011] However, in the above-described type of facsimile apparatushaving a printer interface, it may happen that the apparatus performs afacsimile receiving operation after the user has set it to the draftmode. The received information will then be printed (recorded) in thedraft mode, resulting in the received image being rather lightly printedor the finely printed portions being unintelligible.

[0012] Further, while output images from the computer can be adjusted tothe printer capacity (e.g., 360 dpi), the resolution of received imagesof the facsimile apparatus is at a relatively low level of 8 dot/mm(203.2 dpi), so that the above-mentioned misregistration between thebands would not be so conspicuous if printing were effected through thereciprocative movement of the head. Despite this fact, it may happenthat preference is given to the printing of computer output by selectingone direction printing, resulting in a reduction in printing speed.Since facsimile apparatuses of the ink-jet type are manufacturedrelatively inexpensively, their memory capacity is generally not verylarge. Thus, such a low printing speed is liable to lead to an overflowof received facsimile images.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is accordingly an object of the present invention to providean image forming apparatus in which the above-mentioned problems havebeen eliminated.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an imageforming apparatus in which image data received in facsimilecommunications is prevented from being recorded in an undesired imageformation mode.

[0015] Still another object of the present invention is to provide animage forming apparatus in which image data other than image datareceived in facsimile communications is prevented from being recorded inan undesired image formation mode.

[0016] To achieve the above objects, there is provided, in accordancewith the present invention, an image forming apparatus of the type whichhas a plurality of image formation modes of different image qualities,wherein the image forming apparatus is equipped with: a recordingsection which can be used for image formation of both image datareceived in facsimile communications and other image data; and aswitching means for switching between an image formation mode forrecording image data received in facsimile communications and one forrecording other image data.

[0017] Further, in accordance with the present invention, there isprovided an image forming apparatus of the type which has a recordingsection that can be used for image formation of both image data receivedin facsimile communications and other image data, wherein recording ofimage data received in facsimile communications is possible even whenthe recording section is in a mode for image formation of other imagedata, the image forming apparatus being equipped with: a detection meansfor detecting that the recording section is performing image formationof image data other than image data received in facsimilecommunications; and a means for switching the recording section to amode for image formation of image data received in facsimilecommunications so as to record such received image data when thedetection means detects that the recording section is not operating inthe mode for image formation of image data other than image datareceived in facsimile communications.

[0018] Still further, in accordance with the present invention, there isprovided an image forming apparatus of the type which has a plurality ofimage formation modes of different image qualities and which has arecording section that can be used for image formation of both imagedata received in facsimile communications and other image data, whereinrecording of image data received in facsimile communications is possibleeven when the recording section is in a mode for image formation ofother image data, the image forming apparatus being equipped with: adetection means for detecting that the recording section is performingimage formation of image data other than received image data infacsimile communications; and a switching means for switching therecording section to a mode for image formation of image data receivedin facsimile communications so as to record such received image datawhen the detection means detects that the recording section is notoperating in the mode for image formation of other image data, therecording section being restored to the image formation mode for otherimage data after the completion of the recording of the image datareceived in facsimile communications.

[0019] In accordance with the present invention, the recording sectionhas a plurality of image formation modes of different image qualities,whereby it is always possible to to perform image formation in an imageformation mode that is most suitable for the matter to be printed.

[0020] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided animage forming apparatus of the type which has a facsimile function bywhich it records image data received in facsimile communications and aprinter function by which it records image data output from a hostcomputer. The image forming apparatus comprises:

[0021] setting means for setting the apparatus to one of a plurality ofprinting modes;

[0022] recording means for recording image data;

[0023] reception means for receiving facsimile image data; and

[0024] control means for causing the setting means to set the apparatusto a specific printing mode when facsimile image data received by thereception means is to be recorded, independent of any printing mode inwhich the apparatus has previously been set by the setting means.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pluralityof printing modes include at least either a draft mode or a high-qualitymode.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, theabove-mentioned recording means includes: a recording head equipped witha plurality of recording elements; and a movement means for performing amain scanning through a reciprocating movement of the recording headrelative to a recording medium. The above-mentioned high-quality mode isa one-direction recording mode in which a main scanning is performed bymoving the recording head in one direction of the above-mentionedreciprocating movement, and the above-mentioned specific mode is atwo-direction (normal) recording mode in which the main scanning isperformed by moving the recording head in both directions of thereciprocating movement. By a manual operation conducted by an operatorand/or in response to a call from a line, the apparatus is switched froma printing to a facsimile mode, and, in response to the setting of thefacsimile mode, a specific printing mode is set.

[0027] Thus, printing in a printing mode that is most suitable for theoperation mode of the recording means is possible. That is, when theapparatus is to be used as a printer (i.e., in the printer mode), theuser can select between the normal and draft modes, and image data, etc.can be printed with high quality by moving the recording head in theforward direction only (one-direction printing). When in the facsimilemode, the apparatus is set to the normal mode, in which high-speedprinting is possible through reciprocative printing. Even if the userleaves the apparatus in the printer mode, images received in facsimilecommunications are not printed by one-direction printing but in thenormal rode (printing mode).

[0028] Further, in accordance with the present invention, image datareceived in facsimile communications and other image data can both beprevented from being recorded in an undesired image formation mode.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, therecording section ejects ink droplets through discharge nozzles byutilizing an ejection energy generated in correspondence with the imagedata to be recorded, thereby recording images on a recording medium.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, therecording section causes changes in ink condition by utilizing heatenergy, thereby ejecting ink droplets.

[0031] In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention,the above-mentioned recording section performs the main scanning by areciprocating movement of the recording head, equipped with a pluralityof recording elements, relative to the recording medium, and theabove-mentioned plurality of image formation modes include a mode inwhich the main scanning is performed by moving the recording head in onedirection of the reciprocating movement and a mode in which the mainscanning is performed by moving the recording head in both directions ofthe reciprocating movement.

[0032] In a still further preferred embodiment of the present invention,the above-mentioned plurality of image formation modes include at leasta mode in which image data is recorded in a thinned-out form.

[0033] Other objects, advantages and effects of the present inventionwill become more apparent from the following detailed description, thedrawings and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an ink-jet cartridge;

[0035]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the recording section of animage forming apparatus to which an embodiment of the present inventionis applicable;

[0036]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus of thisembodiment;

[0037]FIG. 4 is a plan view of an operation panel 107 in the imageforming apparatus of this embodiment;

[0038]FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a facsimile reception task operationof the control section 101 in this embodiment;

[0039]FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a printing task operation of acontrol section 101 in this embodiment; and

[0040]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a recording operation of the controlsection in this embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042]FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example of the construction of an ink-jetprinter suitable for the recording section of an image forming apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. In the drawings,symbol IJH indicates an ink-jet head (hereinafter referred to as the“recording head” or simply as the “head”) of the type in which ink isemitted onto the recording paper by using a bubble generated by heatenergy; symbol IJC indicates a detachable ink cartridge (hereinafterreferred to as the “cartridge”) formed as an integral unit with the headIJH and equipped with a tank IT for feeding ink to the head; and symbolIJRA (FIG. 2) indicates the body of an ink-jet recording apparatus.

[0043] As can be seen from the perspective view of FIG. 1, the cartridgeIJC of this embodiment has a configuration in which the front end of thehead IJH is slightly protruding from the front surface of the ink tankIT. This cartridge IJC is of a disposable type which is firmly supportedby a carriage HC mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus body IJRA tobe described below and, at the same time, detachable with respect to thecarriage HC.

[0044] The ink tank IT for storing ink to be supplied to the head IJH iscomposed of an ink absorber, a container into which the ink absorber isinserted and a cover member for sealing up the container (none of thesethree components are shown in the drawings). The ink tank IT is filledwith ink, which is successively supplied to the head by ink ejection.

[0045] The cartridge IJC, constructed as described above, is detachablymounted, in a predetermined manner, on the carriage HC of the body ofthe ink-jet recording apparatus to be described below, and, by inputtingpredetermined recording signals, the relative movement of the carriageHC and the recording medium is controlled so that a desired recordingimage is formed.

[0046]FIG. 2 is an outward perspective view showing an example of theink-jet recording apparatus equipped with mechanisms for performing theabove-mentioned processes.

[0047] In the drawing, numeral 20 indicates a recording head of thecartridge IJC having a group of nozzles for ejecting ink onto therecording surface of a recording paper fed onto a platen 24. Numeral 16indicates a carriage HC for holding the recording head 20. The carriage16 is connected with a part of a driving belt 18 for transmitting thedriving power of a driving motor 17, and is slidable on two guide shafts19A and 19B arranged parallel to each other, whereby a reciprocatingmovement of the recording head 20 is possible over the entire width ofthe recording paper. During this reciprocating movement, the recordinghead 20 records images corresponding to the received data on therecording paper, which is fed by a predetermined amount at thecompletion of each main scanning, thereby effecting a sub-scanning.

[0048] Numeral 26 indicates a head function recovery device, which isarranged at one end of the movement path of the recording head 20, forexample, at a position opposed to the home position. The head functionrecovery device 26 is operated by the driving force of a motor 22,transmitted through a transmission mechanism 23, thereby effecting acapping operation on the recording head 20. An appropriate suction means(e.g., a suction pump) provided inside the head function recovery device26 performs an ink sucking operation (a recovery operation throughsuction of ink) in association with the capping operation of a cappingsection 26A of the head function recovery device 26 performed on therecording head 20, whereby an ejecting function recovery process iseffected by removing the viscous ink remaining in the discharge nozzles.Further, capping is also effected after the completion of each recordingoperation, etc., thereby protecting the recording head 20. This ejectingfunction recovery process is conducted when power is turned on, when therecording head is replaced with a new one, when no recording is to beperformed for a certain period of time, etc.

[0049] Numeral 31 indicates a blade which is arranged on a side surfaceof the head function recovery device 26 and which constitutes a wipingmember formed of silicon rubber. The blade 31 is retained in acantilever-like fashion by a blade retaining member 31A, and isoperated, like the head function recovery device 26, by the motor 22 andthe transmission mechanism 23 in such a way as to be engaged with theejection surface of the recording head 20. This makes it possible forthe blade 31 to be engaged with the ejection surface of the recordinghead 20 with an appropriate timing during a recording operation of therecording head 20 or after an ejecting function recovery process isperformed by the head function recovery device 26, thereby removing dew,moisture, dust, etc. from the ejection surface of the recording head 20.

[0050]FIG. 3 shows the electrical system configuration of an imageforming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.In the drawing, numeral 101 indicates a facsimile control sectionconsisting of a microprocessor, etc. It is composed of a CPU (centralprocessing unit) 104, a ROM (read only memory) 103, a RAM (random accessmemory) 102 etc., and controls the input and output of images and all ofthe communication processes. The ROM 103 stores a control program whichwill be described below. The RAM 102 is used as a work area for the CPU104 and, further, stores image data buffers, “printing request flags”which will be described below, printing modes, etc.

[0051] The input and output of images are effected by a reading section100 and a recording section 111. That is, the reading of original imagedata is performed by the reading section 100, which is composed of a CCD(charge-coupled device) sensor, an original feeding system, etc.Received image data and image data read by the reading section 100 atthe time of copying are printed on paper by the recording section 111,which includes an ink-jet printer (the recording apparatus IJRA asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0052] Connection with a communication line, such as a telephone line,and the input and output of data are effected by a modem 105 and an NCU(net control unit) 106. A telephone 116 for calls and manual control isconnected to the NCU 106. In a facsimile receiving operation, image datais input through the NCU 106 and the modem 105 and stored in the RAM102.

[0053] The control means of the recording section 111 includes a CPU114, a ROM 113 for storing a CPU control program and a charactergenerator, and a RAM 112 used as a work area for the CPU, command bufferand print buffer. This control means controls a carriage motor 9, apaper feed motor 10, and a semi-multi head 11 (corresponding to the head20 in FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0054] The carriage motor 9 is a stepping motor for causing the carriage16, on which the cartridge 21 (IJC) is mounted, to move in the mainscanning direction. The paper feed motor 10, which is also a steppingmotor, feeds the recording paper in the sub-scanning direction, which issubstantially perpendicular to the main scanning direction, after thecompletion of each main scanning. The semi-multi head 11 has severaltens to several hundreds of nozzles arranged along the sub-scanningdirection (64 nozzles in this embodiment, providing a resolution of 360dpi), and is adapted to record one page of information on the recordingpaper by performing the main scanning a plurality of times. In the casewhere information received in facsimile communications is recorded, thedata stored in the RAM 102 is transferred by the facsimile controlsection 101 as raw data (uncoded data) and stored in the RAM 112 in theform of band-like, one-main-scanning data corresponding to the number ofnozzles on the semi-multi head 11. This band-like data for each line inthe main scanning direction is transferred from the RAM 112 to thesemi-multi head 11, thereby effecting recording.

[0055] Numeral 110 indicates a switch which is switchable in accordancewith the control performed by the facsimile control section 111. Whenthe switch is set to the position a, data received in facsimilecommunications is transmitted to the recording section 111 for printing.When the switch is set to the position b, printing data from a computer,connected to a connector 115 is transmitted to the recording section 111to be printed. The facsimile control section 101 transmits not onlyimage data but also commands, which will be described below, to therecording section 111.

[0056] The input data from the connector 115 is input to the switch 110and, at the same time, it is also input to the facsimile control section101, whereby it is possible for the facsimile control section 101 todetect, when the switch 110 is at the position b, that printingcommands, printing data, etc. are being transmitted from the connector115 to the recording section 111.

[0057]FIG. 4 is a plan view of an operation panel 107, which has afacsimile operating section 108 and a printer operating section 109. Thefacsimile operating section 108 includes ten keys 131 for enteringtelephone numbers, various function keys 132, a printer key 121 forswitching the operation mode between the facsimile and printer modes,and an LCD display 123 for displaying telephone numbers, time of day,etc. The printer operating section 109 includes a printing mode key 126for enabling the user to designate the printing mode of the recordingsection 111. The printing mode is changed when the printing mode key 126is operated at the time that the recording section 111 is in the printermode. Further, the printer operating section includes displays 128 and129 for displaying the current printing mode.

[0058] The apparatus of this embodiment has an answering machinefunction. By depressing an answering machine key 122, the apparatusoperates as an answering machine.

[0059] Further, the operation panel 107 is provided with an answeringoperation section 120 for realizing the answering machine function. Theprinter operating section 109 and the answering operation section 120are provided with a cover (not shown) which can be opened and closed.

[0060] In this embodiment, the printing mode can be selected from thefollowing three modes: an SHQ (super high quality) mode (hereinafterreferred to as the “one direction printing mode”), an HQ (high quality)mode (hereinafter referred to as the “normal mode”), and an HS (highspeed) mode (hereinafter referred to as the “draft”) mode. When theprinting mode key 126 is depressed, these three printing modes can bechanged in a cyclic manner from one to the other to enable the user toselect the desired mode.

[0061] In the one direction printing mode, the CPU 114 effects aprinting operation by moving the carriage 16 in the forward directiononly, causing the carriage to return and the recording paper to be fedby one band (line) after each forward movement. By repeating theseoperations, one page of data is recorded. Due to this arrangement, it ispossible to eliminate the deviation in ink ejection points which occurswhen the carriage is moved in different directions, thereby making itpossible to effect high-quality recording. This one direction printingmode is selected when bit image data transmitted from a host computer isto be printed.

[0062] In the normal mode, as mentioned above, the CPU 114 causes thecarriage to return after each forward movement of the carriage. However,after the feeding of the recording paper, the CPU 114 performs aprinting operation also in the returning direction by reverselytransferring band-like data to the head 11. Thus, it controls therecording section so that a recording operation can be performed by themovement of the carriage 16 in either direction. In the draft mode, theCPU 114 transfers data from the RAM 112 to the head 11 after thinningthe data out in such a way that any two dots adjacent to each other inthe main scanning direction are not printed, and the speed at which thecarriage is moved by the carriage motor 9 is increased (that is, thestep cycle of the motor is increased). The increase in the recordingspeed in the draft mode is due to the above-described thinning-outrecording contributing to a reduction in the recording period. In anink-jet type head, it takes a certain amount of time (refill time)before the nozzles are refilled with ink after each ejection foreffecting printing.

[0063] In this embodiment, it is possible to arbitrarily select one ofthe above three printing modes when the apparatus is in the printermode. When in the facsimile mode, the apparatus is forcibly set to thenormal printing mode, to perform printing independently of the operatingsection 109 for operating the recording section.

[0064] The operation of the facsimile control section 101 will bedescribed.

[0065] The facsimile control section 101 conducts a multitask operation,executing a reception task as shown in FIG. 5 and a printing task asshown in FIG. 6 on a time sharing basis.

[0066] First, the reception task operation of FIG. 5 will be described.When a call signal from the line is detected by the detection circuit ofthe NCU 106, or when the user designates a receiving operation bymanipulating the operation panel 107, the reception task is started, inwhich the procedure advances to step S22, where the “printing requestflag” of the RAM 102, which indicates that received image data exists inthe memory, is turned ON, and, in step S23, the received image data isstored in the RAM 102.

[0067] Next, the printing task operation of FIG. 6 will be described.The printing task is constantly in operation to monitor the state of theprinter key. Further, when the “printing request flag” is turned ON, itstarts printing.

[0068] Specifically, a judgment is made in step S1 as to whether theprinter key has been depressed. If the key is found to have beendepressed, the procedure advances to step S2 to effect operation modeswitching (between the facsimile and printer modes) of the recordingsection 111. In step S2, the current operation mode is checked. If thecurrent operation mode is the printer mode, the procedure advances tostep S5, where the switch 110 is switched to the position a so that thecommands from the facsimile control section 101 can be transmitted tothe recording section 111. Subsequently, in step S6, a command fortransition to the facsimile mode is transmitted to the recording section111. After that, the recording section 111 operates as the recordingsection of the facsimile apparatus.

[0069] If, in step S2, the current operation mode is found to be thefacsimile mode, the procedure advances to step S3, where a command forcancelling the facsimile mode is transmitted to the recording section111. Then, in step S4, the switch 110 is switched to the position b.After that, the printing commands from the computer, which is connectedto the connector 115, are transmitted to the recording section 111,which then operates as a printer.

[0070] Next, in step S7, the “printing request flag” in the RAM 102 ischecked. When there is no printing request (i.e., when the flag is OFF),the procedure returns to step S1. If there is a printing request, theprocedure advances to step S8, where the current operation mode ischecked. If the current operation mode is found to be the facsimilemode, the received image data in the RAM 102 is sent, in step S15, tothe recording section 111, whereby the received images are printed, andthen the procedure returns to step S1.

[0071] When, in step S8, the current operation mode is found to be theprinter mode, it is checked, in step S9, whether any data is being sentfrom the connector 115 to the recording section 111. If data is beingsent to the recording section, it is judged that printing is beingperformed, and step S8 is looped. It no printing is being performed, theprocedure advances to step S10, where the switch 110 is switched to theposition a. Subsequently, in step S11, a command for transition to thefacsimile mode is sent to the recording section 111. Next, in step S12,images received in facsimile communications are printed, as in step S15.In step S13, a command for cancelling the facsimile mode is sent to therecording section 111. In step S14, the switch 110 is returned to theposition b. During the operations of steps S10 through S14, a “busy”signal is supplied to the host computer. In steps S13 and S14, therecording section 111 is restored to the printer mode, and the procedurereturns to step S1 to repeat the above operations.

[0072]FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart for the recording section 111.

[0073] When a command is transmitted from the facsimile control section101 by way of the switch 110, the control procedure for the recordingsection 111 advances to step S16. If, in step S16, the commandtransmitted is a command for transition to the facsimile mode, theprocedure advances to step S19, where the printing mode which has beenused in the printer mode up to the present is stored in the RAM 112.

[0074] Then, in step S21, the printing mode is set to the normal modefor reciprocative printing, thereby commanding the command receivingoperation. If, in step S16, the command transmitted is not a mode fortransition to the facsimile mode, the procedure advances to step S17,where it is checked whether the command is a facsimile mode cancellingcommand. If the command is found to be a facsimile mode cancellingcommand, the procedure advances to step S20, where the printing modewhich has been used in the printer mode until the transition to thefacsimile mode is read from the RAM 112 to set, for example, theone-direction printing mode, thereby completing the setting operation.If, in step S17, the command transmitted is not a command for cancellingthe facsimile mode, the procedure advances to step S18, where processesfor other commands are executed to end the operation.

[0075] As described above, with the present apparatus, it is possible toperform printing in a printing mode that is most suitable for theoperation mode (which is either the printer mode or the facsimile mode)of the recording section. That is, when the apparatus is used as aprinter, the user can select a desired printing mode from three printingmodes, a high-quality mode, normal mode, and draft mode, and highquality printing of image data can be effected by one direction printing(the high-quality mode). When the apparatus is used in the facsimilemode (i.e., as a facsimile apparatus), the printing mode is set to thenormal mode, thereby enabling images received in facsimilecommunications to be printed at a higher speed without causing anyextreme deterioration in image quality.

[0076] If the user leaves the apparatus in the printer mode, imagesreceived in facsimile communications are printed in the normal mode.Since the switching of the operation mode and the printing of imagesreceived in facsimile communications are effected in the same task,there is no possibility of the operation mode being switched to theprinter mode daring a facsimile receiving operation. Since the printingmodes for the recording section are stored in the RAM of the recordingsection, it is only necessary for the interface between the facsimilecontrol section and the recording section to be in one direction,thereby simplifying the construction of the switch 110.

[0077] While in the above-described embodiment the key 121 for manuallysetting the operation mode is provided, it is also possible for theoperation mode to be set by a command from the host computer in additionto or instead of being set by the key 121. When the key 121 is notprovided, steps S1 through S6, S8 and S15 in the flowchart of FIG. 6 areomitted, and the procedure advances to step S9 when the result of stepS7 is “YES”.

[0078] Further, while in the above embodiment, any facsimile image datareceived while the apparatus is in the printer mode, which was manuallyset by the key 121, is printed after the completion of the printingwhich has been conducted in the printer mode, this should not beconstrued restrictively. It is also possible for the received image datato be stored in the RAM 102 so that it can be printed out in response tothe setting of the facsimile mode by the key 121.

[0079] It is also possible for the facsimile control section to controlthe recording section. That is, the operation of the recording sectionof FIG. 6 can also be executed as one of the tasks of the facsimilecontrol section.

[0080] While in the above-described embodiment there are two separatecontrol sections, the main control section for controlling thetransmission and reception of data and the operation display section,and the recording control section for controlling recording operations,it is also possible for the main control section to be designed so as tobe capable of controlling all operations including the recordingoperations.

[0081] The above embodiment has been described with reference to thecase where it is applied to an ink-jet recording system in whichrecording is performed by ejecting ink droplets formed by utilizing heatenergy. Examples of the typical construction and the basic principle ofthis type of ink-jet recording system, which it is desirable to adopt,are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740,796. This ink-jetrecording system is applicable to both so-called on-demand-type andcontinuous type recording apparatuses. In particular, this ink-jetrecording system can be advantageously applied to the on-demand typerecording apparatus, in which at least one driving signal causing arapid rise in temperature beyond a boiling point in accordance with theinformation to be recorded, is applied to electrothermal conversionmembers arranged in correspondence with a sheet retaining liquid (ink)or with a liquid path. As a result, heat energy is generated in theelectrothermal conversion members to cause film boiling on the heataction surface of the recording head, so that a bubble which is inone-to-one correspondence with this driving signal can be formed in theliquid (ink). By the growth and shrinkage of this bubble, the liquid(ink) is ejected through a discharge nozzle to form at least onedroplet. It is more desirable for this driving signal to be provided ina pulse form since the the growth or shrinkage of the bubble can then beeffected instantaneously and appropriately, thereby realizing a liquid(ink) ejection having particularly excellent responsiveness.

[0082] Preferable examples of this pulse-form driving signal aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262. By adopting theconditions given in the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,124, whichrelates to the temperature rise ratio on the above heat action surfaceof the recording head, a recording which is even more excellent is madepossible.

[0083] Apart from the recording head constructions as described in theabove-mentioned specifications, in which discharge nozzles, liquid pathsand electrothermal conversion members are combined (to form linear orrectangular flow paths), it is also possible to adopt a construction inwhich the heat action is provided in bent areas, as disclosed in thespecifications of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,558,333 and 4,459,600.

[0084] Further, it is also possible to adopt the construction asdisclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-123670, according to whicha common slot is used as the discharge section for a plurality ofelectrothermal conversion members, or the construction as disclosed inJapanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-138461, according to which openings forabsorbing the pressure waves of heat energy are arranged incorrespondence with the discharge section.

[0085] Further, a full-line type recording head having a lengthcorresponding to the width of the largest recording medium that can beused in the associated recording apparatus can be formed by combining aplurality of recording heads so as to satisfy the length requirementtherefor, as disclosed in the specifications mentioned above.Alternatively, such a full-line type recording head can be formed as asingle recording head in the form of an integral unit.

[0086] Further, the present invention can be effectively applied to areplaceable-chip-type recording head, which is attached to theassociated recording apparatus body so as to be electrically connectedthereto and supplied with ink therefrom. Further, the present inventioncan also be effectively applied to a cartridge-type recording head,which is integrally provided with an ink tank.

[0087] Also, provision of a function recovery means for the recordinghead, a preliminary auxiliary means, etc. is desirable since this willfurther stabilize the effects of the present invention. Specifically, itis effective, from the viewpoint of stable recording, to provide therecording head with a capping means, cleaning means, pressurizing orsuction means, electrothermal conversion members or separate preliminaryheating means consisting of heating elements, or a combination thereof,and a mode for preliminary ejection performed apart from the ejectionfor recording.

[0088] While the present invention has been described as applied to thecase where a liquid ink is used, this should not be construedrestrictively. It is also possible to use an ink of the type which is ina solid form at room temperature or under and which softens or liquefiesat room temperature. In the ink-jet type recording system describedabove, temperature control is generally effected by keeping the inkwithin the temperature range of 30° C. to 70° C. so as to maintain theink viscosity in a stable ejection range.

[0089] Accordingly, any type of ink will do as long as it is in a liquidform in the above temperature range, in which recording signals areimparted to the recording means.

[0090] It is also possible to prevent temperature rise due to the heatenergy for bubble generation by positively utilizing this heat energy tochange the ink from the solid to the liquid state. Further, it ispossible to use an ink of the type which solidifies when left to standso that evaporation of the ink can be avoided. In any case, the inkshould liquefy when heat energy is imparted thereto in accordance withrecording signals so that it can be ejected as liquid ink. Further, theink used may be of such a type which does not liquify until heat energyis imparted thereto and which instantly starts to solidify upon reachingthe recording medium. Such a type of ink may be retained in the form ofa liquid or solid in recesses of a porous sheet or in through-holes insuch a way as to be opposed to the electrothermal conversion members, asdescribed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 54-56847 and 60-71260. Theabove-described types of ink can be most effectively applied to anapparatus of the system utilizing film boiling as mentioned above.

[0091] Further, the present invention is not restricted to the ink-jetsystem utilizing heat energy, but is also applicable to the ink-jetsystem utilizing piezoelectric elements, etc.

[0092] The present invention is not restricted to the above-describedembodiments, but allows various modifications without departing from thescope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image forming apparatus of a type which has afacsimile function by which it records image data received in facsimilecommunications and a printer function by which it records image dataoutput from a host computer, said image forming apparatus comprising:printing mode setting means for setting the apparatus to one of aplurality of printing modes; recording means for recording image data;reception means for receiving facsimile image data; and control meansfor causing said setting means to set the apparatus to a specificprinting mode when facsimile image data received by said reception meansis to be recorded by said recording means, independent of any printingmode in which the apparatus has previously been set by said settingmeans.
 2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein saidplurality of printing modes include at least one of a draft mode and ahigh-quality mode.
 3. An image forming apparatus according to claim 2 ,wherein said draft mode is a thinning-out recording mode in which imagedata is recorded in a thinned-out form.
 4. An image forming apparatusaccording to claim 2 , wherein said recording means includes: arecording head which is equipped with a plurality of recording elements;and a moving means for performing a main scanning by a reciprocativemovement of said recording head relative to a recording medium, whereinsaid high-quality mode is a one-direction recording mode in which themain scanning is performed by a movement of said recording head in onedirection of said reciprocative movement.
 5. An image forming apparatusaccording to claim 4 , wherein said specific mode is a two-directionrecording mode in which the main scanning is performed by a movement ofsaid recording head in both directions of said reciprocative movement.6. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein saidprinting mode setting means effects printing mode setting in accordancewith a manual operation performed by an operator and/or a commandsupplied from the host computer.
 7. An image forming apparatus accordingto claim 1 , further comprising: operation mode setting means forsetting the apparatus to a facsimile mode for realizing the facsimilefunction and to a printer mode for realizing the printer function.
 8. Animage forming apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein said operationmode setting means effects operation mode setting in accordance with acommand from the host computer.
 9. An image forming apparatus accordingto claim 7 , wherein said operation mode setting means sets theoperation mode to the facsimile mode in response to a manual operationperformed by an operator and/or a call supplied from a line.
 10. Animage forming apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein said operationmode setting means automatically sets the apparatus to said printer modein response to completion of recording of facsimile image data receivedby said reception means.
 11. An image forming apparatus according toclaim 7 , wherein said printing mode setting means sets the printingmode to said specific printing mode in response to setting of theapparatus to the facsimile mode by said operation mode setting means.12. An image forming apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein saidprinting mode setting means includes storage means for storing aprinting mode which has previously been set in said printer mode, andwherein said printing mode setting means sets the apparatus to theprinting mode stored in said storage means in response to setting of theapparatus to said printer mode by said operation mode setting means. 13.An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said recordingmeans records images on a recording medium by ejecting ink dropletsthrough discharge nozzles by utilizing an ejection energy generated inaccordance with image data to be recorded.
 14. An image formingapparatus according to claim 13 , wherein said recording means ejectsink droplets by causing changes in a condition of ink by means of heatenergy.
 15. An image forming apparatus according to claim 14 , whereinsaid recording means includes: a recording head which is equipped with aplurality of recording elements; and moving means for performing a mainscanning by a reciprocative movement of said recording head relative tothe recording medium.
 16. A method of setting into one of a plurality ofprinting modes an image forming apparatus having a facsimile function bywhich it records image data received in facsimile communications and aprinter function by which it records image data output from a hostcomputer, said method comprising the steps of: facsimile-receiving imagedata; setting the apparatus to a specific printing mode when recordingthe facsimile-received image data, independent of any printing mode inwhich the apparatus has previously been set; and recording thefacsimile-received image data in said specific printing mode.
 17. Amethod according to claim 16 , wherein said plurality of printing modesinclude at least one of a draft mode and a high-quality mode.
 18. Amethod according to claim 17 , wherein said draft mode is a thinning-outrecording mode in which image data is recorded in a thinned-out form.19. A method according to claim 16 , wherein, in said step of recordingthe facsimile-received image data, a main scanning is performed by areciprocative movement of a recording head, which is equipped with aplurality of recording elements, relative to a recording medium, andwherein, in a high-quality mode, which is a one-direction recordingmode, the main scanning is performed by moving the recording head in onedirection of said reciprocative movement.
 20. A method according toclaim 19 , wherein said specific mode is a two-direction recording modein which the main scanning is performed by a movement of said recordinghead in both directions of said reciprocative movement.
 21. An imageforming apparatus comprising: a recording section that has a pluralityof image formation modes of different image qualities and which can beused for image formation of both a first kind of image data, which isreceived in facsimile communications, and a second kind of image datawhich is a different kind from said first kind of image data; and imageformation mode switching means for switching between an image formationmode for recording said first kind of image data and an image formationmode for recording said second kind of image data.
 22. An image formingapparatus according to claim 21 , further comprising: storage means forstoring an image formation mode used when recording said second kind ofimage data; and means for restoring said recording section to the imageformation mode stored in said storage means when said second kind ofimage data is to be recorded after the recording of said first kind ofimage data.
 23. An image forming apparatus according to claim 21 ,wherein said second kind of image data is image data output from a hostcomputer.
 24. An image forming apparatus according to claim 21 , whereinsaid recording section includes a recording head which isreciprocatively moved over a recording medium, and wherein saidplurality of image formation modes include a mode in which recording isperformed by a forward movement of the recording head only and a mode inwhich recording is performed by both forward and backward movements ofsaid recording head.
 25. An image forming apparatus according to claim21 , wherein said plurality of image formation modes include a mode inwhich all pixels are used for printing and a mode in which only a partof the pixels are used for printing.
 26. An image forming apparatusaccording to claim 23 , further comprising: operation means forselecting either a facsimile mode for recording said first kind of imagedata or a printer mode for recording said second kind of image data;detection means for detecting whether image formation of said secondkind of image data is being performed or not; and operation modeswitching means for switching said recording section to the facsimilemode in response to a facsimile reception and when said detection meansdetects that the image formation mode is not being performed.
 27. Animage forming apparatus according to claim 26 , wherein said operationmode switching means restores the operation mode to the printer modewhen image formation of said first kind of image data has beencompleted.
 28. An image forming apparatus according to claim 27 ,wherein said operation mode switching means and a means for outputtingsaid first kind of image data, which is received in facsimilecommunications, to said recording section are serially operated in thesame task by a common CPU.
 29. An image forming apparatus according toclaim 21 , wherein said recording section performs recording on arecording medium by ejecting ink droplets through discharge nozzles byusing an ejection energy generated in accordance with image data to berecorded.
 30. An image forming apparatus according to claim 29 , whereinsaid recording means utilizes heat energy to cause changes in thecondition of ink, thereby emitting ink droplets.